Can you combine saliferts test solutions?

[Acro maniac]

I have used salifert test kits for testing alk, cal, mag, no3, and po4 for years. Over that time fram i have kept some of the leftover drop solution, scoop media and syringe solution from most the kits as backup if new order doesnt come in when expected. I have used them in pinch to get me through the week without any issues.
My thought was, because i never run out of the same test solution or media each time . So why couldn't i just combine the new test stuff with the current as long as there not expired? Just to clearify cal with cal , alk with alk etc. etc. Cause I know someone would think i was asking to mix the kits. Just like with like.

 

[kacrocorals581]

I've done so with no ill effect.

 

[Cory]

Not recommended for acids. Evaporation of the old hcl will make the new one slightly inaccurate. If you do this enough times, your batch will be off.

 

[Acro maniac]

Not recommended for acids. Evaporation of the old hcl will make the new one slightly inaccurate. If you do this enough times, your batch will be off.

Ok so this was a thought that i was having. The chemical make up slightly changing over a time frame. I guess that would only be a concern if your test kits last, say a year or so. But what if you go through test kits pretty quick? I mean i go through a kits about every 3 months. Currently the expirations on the kits i have ate like 2019 2020. And they will be gone in a couple months. Would evaporation still be a concern?

 

[Cory]

Ok so this was a thought that i was having. The chemical make up slightly changing over a time frame. I guess that would only be a concern if your test kits last, say a year or so. But what if you go through test kits pretty quick? I mean i go through a kits about every 3 months. Currently the expirations on the kits i have ate like 2019 2020. And they will be gone in a couple months. Would evaporation still be a concern?

I guess you could do it if you had a way to know its accurate

 

[snappa1953]

Check mixed solution against someone's pure one. Your LFS?

 

[Acro maniac]

Thats a good idea, why didnt i think of that. Thats the reason for these threads, to reveal the little things we over look. Thanks

 

[4FordFamily]

I wouldn't, just because age and batch variances could compromise the accuracy of results. It may work fine, in just very conservative.

I have some very dated test kits I just tossed.

 

[Flippers4pups]

I wouldn't, just because age and batch variances could compromise the accuracy of results. It may work fine, in just very conservative.

I have some very dated test kits I just tossed.

Exactly why they put expiration dates on the kits. The solutions degrade over time.

 

[Acro maniac]

All expirations are 2019 or futher out and they will be used within 2 months. I run on average 6-9tests a week . Would degradation still be a concern?

 

[Acro maniac]

I wouldn't, just because age and batch variances could compromise the accuracy of results. It may work fine, in just very conservative.

I have some very dated test kits I just tossed.

Also a thought i previously entertained... batches and was one of the reasons for asking

 

[Flippers4pups]

There shouldn't be much variation from one batch to another, as long a the exportation dates are not over lapping. Me, once I'm at the end of a test kits life it gets pitched and a new one is used.